A: The goal of $1,500,000.00 will allow us to assist Loaves and Fishes with their relocation; renovate the Activities and Outreach Center for ministry to children, youth, and young adults; and replace the HVAC system in the Educational Building.

Q: When will pledges be paid?

A: Pledges will be for a three-year period, beginning June 1, 2018 and continuing through May 30, 2021. Pledges may be fulfilled weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Q: What if pledges fall short of the campaign goal?

A: Session will review our situation and inform donors prior to June 1, 2018 about our plans. If pledges are at least 80% of the goal, we will proceed. If the shortfall in pledges were to be more than 20%, we will make changes in scope, conduct another three-year campaign, and/or pursue other financing options. In the event of significant changes in the scope of the campaign, donors will be given the option to revise their pledges prior to beginning payment.

Q: What about the operating budget?

A: The Bicentennial Capital Campaign is an opportunity to give sacrificially, over and above your regular tithes and offerings to the church. We will continue each year to emphasize the dedication of a percentage of your income to the church as an act of thanksgiving for all that God has given to you. Annual estimates of giving (not including the Bicentennial Capital Campaign) will continue to be presented to God every year on Consecration Sunday, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The Bicentennial Capital Campaign is an opportunity to give an additional gift—including a legacy gift, or gift of stock that has appreciated in value--for a limited time of three years to rejuvenate our church.

Q: What if my situation changes and I am unable to fulfill my pledge?

A: It is important that you inform the church as soon as you become aware that the fulfilment of your pledge may be in jeopardy, so that we can plan accordingly. It is also important that you take your pledge with utmost seriousness and fulfill as much of your pledge as you can, as the church is making plans and incurring expenses that must be paid. However, we are a church that believes in grace and we understand that situations arise which are beyond our ability to control, medical emergencies and the like, which can make it impossible to fulfill a promise. We trust that if circumstances arise which only God can control, then God will provide the means to another giver to make up the difference. Fear about the future should not limit a pledge that you are able to fulfill today.

Q: What if I cannot pledge?

A: The important thing is for all of us to do what we can. Some can do more financially; some can do less. There will also be many opportunities to pray and work for the rejuvenation of our church (including volunteering to make a real difference in the lives of our children and youth) over the next three years and, if you are blessed financially beyond your expectations in year two or three of the campaign, we encourage you to revise your pledge upward.

Q: What is a major gift?

A: Gifts of $50,000 and above are considered major gifts for this campaign. Some of us have been blessed financially in extraordinary ways and have a strong commitment to the future of our church. If you are able to give a major gift, or are able to name the church as a beneficiary of appreciable assets such as bonds, stocks, paid-up insurance or other assets, please contact a member of the Bicentennial Capital Campaign and let us help you pledge and arrange your gift at this crucial time in the life of the church.
No gift is more important than any other. Every gift, however large or small, helps us reach our goal together. Jesus praised the woman who gave a "widow’s mite," saying she gave everything she had. Without your gift, we will not succeed in achieving the goals of this campaign. With your gift, we will exceed all expectations for the future of First Presbyterian Church!